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A candidate seeking the governorship from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Shuaibu Abubakar Idris, has urged the party’s National Working Committee to intervene in the ongoing situation in the state concerning the results of the gubernatorial primary election.

Mr. Shuaibu, addressing reporters in Lagos recently, argued that remaining silent while the state branch of the party is in turmoil over its gubernatorial candidate would certainly lower the party’s prospects in Kaduna State in 2027.

Idris, a participant in the private sector, serves as Managing Consultant and Chief Executive of Time-Line Consult Limited, a firm that focuses on Advisory Services, Research, Capacity Development, Process Evaluation, and Enhancement. He stated that resolving the crisis at an early stage would increase the party’s prospects in the 2027 general election within Kaduna State, and emphasized that it is incorrect to assert that there is no Governorship candidate for ADC in Kaduna.

Mr. Idris clarified the situation for the public, explaining why he is the genuine and legally acknowledged candidate of the party, and mentioned that the party’s election guidelines were followed, resulting in a candidate being selected. “It would be incorrect to claim that the African Democratic Congress lacks a Governorship candidate in Kaduna State. Naturally, we do have a Governorship candidate. If you examine the procedures for election or nomination as outlined by the party’s guidelines, the party’s guidelines were very clear. The nomination form was advertised, and the dates for submission were specified. The party administration will review the submitted forms and appoint a screening panel. This panel will assess the candidates, verify the documents provided, and make a decision. When certain candidates were disqualified during the screening process, an appeal panel is typically established to review the screening panel’s decisions and suggest appropriate actions.”

Subsequently, a primary election committee was formed, and the primary elections were held. An appeal panel was then set up to examine the actions of the election committee, and they issued their decision following a review. This process is similar to that of the High Court and Appeal Court. The African Democratic Congress, like any other political party in Nigeria, has these procedures, and all those who purchased the forms were provided with copies of these guidelines; and these guidelines were strictly adhered to.

“Our party held a primary election, and Isah Ashiru was announced as the victor with approximately 86,000 votes. I viewed that election as a farce and issued a press release, objecting to the methods and procedures used by the committee overseeing the vote. The election, first of all, was poorly organized, severely underfunded, and led to opportunistic violations during the primary process,” he disclosed.

Mr. Idris revealed that a review committee was established by the party in the state to examine the election process and discovered that the election was fundamentally flawed. “When the party followed its procedures by forming a committee, I was persuaded to submit a petition asking for the primary election to be reviewed, as I believed I had won, even though the results showed I finished last. Among the five of us who took part in the primary, I was the lowest. The appeal committee examined the evidence I presented and concluded that, based on valid votes, Shuaibu Idris won the election and they subsequently declared me as the candidate. Today, legally speaking, Shuaibu Abubakar Idris, commonly known as Mikati in Kaduna State, is legally the candidate for the Governorship position of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 General Election.”

Idris revealed that the National Working Committee of the party has not yet officially convened to examine the ruling of the Appeal Committee, and mentioned that there is no cause for concern since the NWC is occupied with handling various other appeal committees across different states in the country, not only in Kaduna State.

He mentioned, however, that after meeting with approximately 80% of the NWC members regarding the issue, their view was that the NWC needs guidance from its legal team before they can proceed with the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.

Sharing his engagement with members of the NWC, he mentioned that it is clear Shuaibu Idris holds the support, although a choice will be made shortly. He added that the members have viewed video evidence explaining why the appeal Committee adopted their stance in his favor.

Idris also mentioned that, to his knowledge, the party’s appeal committee has not revoked their decision, and he characterized the actions of Hon. Isah, who is meeting with party officials and selecting a running mate, as highly offensive to the people of Kaduna.

He mentioned that it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes to light.

Idris showed astonishment at the behavior of Hon. Isah and referred to him as being on a very fragile foundation.

I was surprised by what Rt. Hon. Isah Ashiru has been doing over the past three weeks. He is asserting himself as the standard-bearer while holding meetings in all directions with certain party officials, which is similar to an axiom, attempting to establish legitimacy from nothing. He is operating on a very weak foundation, a fragile structure. Why don’t you wait until you are officially recognized as the candidate? Why can’t you wait for the certificate of return to be issued to you? Why not even wait for the national working committee to confirm you as the candidate? Where is this kind of behavior allowed? And I find this disrespectful to the people of Kaduna.

“Several days ago, he announced his running mate. I could do the same, but I am a law-abiding citizen. I haven’t received my certificate of return yet—why should I be so arrogant and claim that Mr. A, Z, or Y will be my running mate? For me, such an action would be illogical, and I won’t do that,” Idris said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).